Ex-gangster Sidhana wants people to read newspapers, open libraries

Gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana, who is in the fray from the Maur Assembly seat in Punjab’s Bathinda district, appeals to people to read newspapers, pool funds to open libraries while saying he wants to promote the Punjabi language.

Sidhana is one of the accused in the last year’s Delhi Republic Day violence and has been fielded by the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha, a political outfit of various farmer bodies.

Forty-two-year-old Sidhana, who is facing several criminal cases, was quite active in the farmers’ agitation against the Centre’s farm laws, which were later repealed.

“I am a fearless person who can raise voice for my people. You all have seen my contribution to the farmers’ agitation,” says Sidhana wherever he goes for campaigning.

Sidhana invariably mentions the need to promote maa boli Punjabi (Punjabi language) and Punjabiyat.

He is demanding Punjabi be made a compulsory subject in all convent schools of the state.

During campaigning, Sidhana appeals to villagers to read newspapers and pool funds to open libraries. He also tries to create awareness among people about air pollution and depleting underground water. He asks people to fight against private healthcare facilities for overcharging patients during the pandemic.

He also does not shy away from discussing his criminal past.

“I suffered three bullet injuries during electioneering about a decade ago. After having a brush with death, I realised my blunder. I deeply regret my criminal past,” Sidhana says.

While appreciating AAP's CM face Bhagwant Mann, he quickly expresses his strong difference with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

“Kejriwal wants to control Punjab, whereas we need a leader from our own state for good governance. I admire Bhagwant. But he is powerless before an autocrat like Kejriwal,” he alleges.

In 2012, Sidhana had contested his first election unsuccessfully from Rampura Phul Assembly segment as a candidate of People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) that was floated by Manpreet Singh Badal before it was merged with the Congress.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has fielded ex-MP Jagmeet Singh Brar while the Congress party’s candidate is Manoj Bala Bansal and AAP has nominated Sukhveer Singh. The BJP has fielded Dayal Sodhi.

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